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Rafael Nadal of Spain hugs the Musketeers’ Cup as he celebrates victory following the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during day fifteen of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Rafael Nadal of Spain hugs the Musketeers’ Cup as he celebrates victory following the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during day fifteen of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Over the years, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, has been one of the greatest forces in the men’s game. The southpaw is almost synonymous with clay-court dominance with an astonishing 13 French Open titles to his name. Beating Nadal on clay is the career highlight of many players on the ATP Tour, not that many have achieved the feat.
No other men’s player has as many titles at one particular Grand Slam. Former ATP star, Jimmy Arias feels that dominance could soon be declining.
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“He’s showing some wear in that armour” Jimmy Arias on Rafael Nadal
Recently, former player and now analyst Jimmy Arias was talking about the Spaniard. He felt that there would come a time when Rafa would be dethroned, on clay. He did add the caveat that, each time he felt so previously, he was proven wrong by the Spaniard who kept on winning titles in the French capital.
The 57-year-old former player stated, “I never conceded the French title to Nadal as some others did. I’ve often felt that Rafa is on the verge of being beatable, but then he’d get to Roland Garros and win. He proved me wrong every time a lot of times. But now he’s showing some wear in that armor.”
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PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain and his coach Carlos Moya during practice ahead of the French Open 2021, Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland-Garros stadium on May 29, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Nadal was beaten by Djokovic this season at Roland Garros in the semi-final, adding credibility to Jimmy’s claim. However, the Spaniard was nursing a foot injury during French Open which eventually caused him to call-off his 2021 season.
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Nadal’s ended his season after losing in the initial rounds in Washington. His foot had yet not healed after he injured it during Roland Garros. He intends to be back early in 2022 for the upcoming season, aiming at a return during the Australian Open. All eyes will be on him when he steps on the courts again. How do you think he will do when the 2022 clay season comes around?
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